Happy F**kin' New Year-Palm Canyon

[mtnbikej]

What way to bring in the new year. I had popped my Palm Canyon cherry in November. So I planned a ride to show some others the great trails out there.

All was going well. We ran across Dell, Craig and Kanga's group out there.

At about mile 9 came screaming around a DH turn and saw the trail cross a rut. Broke really hard to negociate it. Back tire slide out and down I went. I knew I was in trouble when I lifted my bike off and my ankle was turn 45degrees to the right. I straightened it out, and it immediatly flopped over to the side again. I knew it was bad. So we got resourcefull with what we had.

We cut a waterbottle down to cup my heal. Inner tubes, electrical tape, bandanas, and thick yucca plants were used. Fortunately, group came by and had a roll of thick althletic tape(I never got your name, but thank you). We wrapped it up and got me back on my bike. Laying there feeling sorry for myself was not an option, nor was a helicopter ride. Flats and most DH's I was able to ride. Really rocky and techy sections I had to use my human crutches.

We got to the wash and decided to take the hiking trail to the Indian Trading Outpost. A group of horses was there at the wash and offered to give me a ride.....but I declined. My wife can't get me to ride horses, and I wasn't going to fold at this point.

My friends would push me uphill where it was too steep to pedal.

I did have a couple of instances where I did fall over onto the bad leg and the pain was horrendous.

I did make it back to the car at the Von's shopping center.

Still ended up with 24 miles for the ride.

Finally got the ER back home about 6:30.

After x-rays it was clear. Broke the tips off my right tibia and fibula. Looks like I will be going under the knife sometime this week.

So right now I sit here with a temp. cast from my toes to my mid-thigh.

Given the options, I guess the break was the best outcome....they tend to heal the quickest, compared to torn tendons and ligaments.



For those that have not ridden Palm Canyon and question why everyone says to take more than you need and to be prepared......there is a reason.......you are way the hell out in the middle of nowhere. Without the help of my friends, I would not have made it out on my own.

[Greengiant]

What a lousy way to start off the New Year...but what a way to tough it out! Nothing on that trail is easy!

Healing vibes to you, hope you're back out on the trails on the new TB in no time!

[mtnbikej]

Good news is the carbon bike is A-OK!

[evdog]

Sorry to hear about the break!

I had to ride/hike out of a trail once when I tore my ACL, but that had nothing on finishing a ride like this. I'm real impressed you were able to stick it out and finish a ride that takes its toll on most able-bodied people. Good job and best of luck on the recovery!

[kanga]

Way to tough it out! I'm glad you're in good spirits about it. Breaks are better than tendon ruptures, by a long shot. We did see a helicopter but that wasn't for you.

Heal up quickly!

[Margaritaman]

And way to not give in to them damn horses!

[JohnnyGent]

Wow thats a total bummer. But at least you didnt give in to riding the horse. Wife would have never let you hear the end of it

[kanga]

Regardless of the fact that you declined the horse ride out, this is significant. An equestrian offering to help a mountain biker.

Obviously wasn't in L.A.!

[Fewinhibitions]

True dat!

[Sailor Ripley]

Holy smokes! You are a bada@@ to be able to make it out of there in that condition.

Be patient and heal well... getting it back is a lot easier with proper healing.

[Cowgirl]

You know how bad it makes you feel when you botch a corner that you think you could have made....well I was riding with Jason yesterday thru this whole event. and he was riding down stuff with a broken leg that I would never even have attempted!!! Thanks Jason..you know how that made me feel!!!

It was a bummer when the accident happened but I have to give Jason a huge Kudos for allowing Tim, Jeff, Suzanne, Rich and I to help him get through the tough sections. He never complained once even though we were splinting up a broken leg and allowed all of us to do what we needed to do to get him out of there. I still can't believe how he rode out of there! It was his determination that got him out of there!

It was still an Epic Ride Jason...thanks for introducing us all to Palm Canyon....we will go back once your all put back together again!

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by Cowgirl

You know how bad it makes you feel when you botch a corner that you think you could have made....well I was riding with Jason yesterday thru this whole event. and he was riding down stuff with a broken leg that I would never even have attempted!!! Thanks Jason..you know how that made me feel!!!

It was a bummer when the accident happened but I have to give Jason a huge Kudos for allowing Tim, Jeff, Suzanne, Rich and I to help him get through the tough sections. He never complained once even though we were splinting up a broken leg and allowed all of us to do what we needed to do to get him out of there. I still can't believe how he rode out of there! It was his determination that got him out of there!

It was still an Epic Ride Jason...thanks for introducing us all to Palm Canyon....we will go back once your all put back together again!

i could not have done without all your help. I definately owe you all.

[xhuskr]

heal up...glad you were with good people to take care of you!

[Chewyeti]

way to HTFU dude.... wow man. Sounds like you pushed through a TON of pain!!! Way to go man!

Tough MOFO

[Ladd Jasper]

Was good seeing you out there yesterday, Jason. We were pretty concerned when we got word "the bigger guy in the Warrior's jersey" had gone down, but also knew you were in good, capable hands.

Good luck with the surgery, and keep us posted on your progress.


And since I totally blanked out there: hello to Sherry, Tim and Rich. Somehow didn't register that was you guys 'til I was long gone down the trail

[mtnkitty]

Hope it heals up quickly! Good vibes being sent to you from here... two thumbs up for your friends. I hope your surgery goes well.

[spookydave]

Jason, sorry to see this.

[dirtmistress]

Gnarly dude! You get the Tough Guy of the week award for sure!!! Hope it heals fast!!

[speckledtrout]

Holy Smokes! That is one huge cankle!
Feel better soon and don't rush the healing process.

[YakityYak]

bummer. however, kudos to those that came to your aid (yes, the horsey people, too)